
Description
Nemasys Chafer Grub Killer is a chafer grub treatment containing Heterorhabditis bacteriophora a species of native entomopathogenic nematode (microscopic worms) which controls infestations of chafer beetle larvae naturally, safely, and effectively.
Please note: there is a two week turnaround for delivery on this product.
The graphic below is designed to inform the user as to the life stage of the organism throughout the year.
There is one application window in the pests life cycle suitable for applying a chafer grub treatment. The application window is during the late summer/autumn, from the middle of August to the middle of October.
The mid August to mid October application window coincides with the larvae being at a young and susceptible life stage and the soil temperature being above 12ºC, which is the minimum point the nematodes are at their most active in the soil.
Once soil temperatures rise again in the following spring the larvae will have grown to a stage where effective control of any type is significantly reduced. This means that a pro-active preventative approach to controlling chafer larvae in turf areas is required. By undertaking a chafer grub treatment with Nemasys Chafer Grub Killer in the mid August to mid October application window, direct damage from the grubs and indirect damage from predators hunting for them in the following spring and summer is avoided.

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The nematodes work in the soil by seeking out the chafer beetle larvae and attack the pest by entering natural body openings. Once inside, they release bacteria (Photorhabdus spp.) that stops the pest from feeding, quickly killing the grub.
The nematodes then reproduce inside the dead grub and release a new generation of infective juvenile nematodes. These infective juveniles then disperse into the soil and search for further prey. If sustained this life cycle can lead to significantly reduced chafer grub populations in subsequent years.
Nemasys Chafer Grub Killer must be used within 3-4 weeks of being received, keep refrigerated until used.
Each pack of Nemasys Chafer Grub Killer treats up to 500m2.
We do not sell this product during the period when the larvae are not susceptible to control using nematodes.
Chafer Grub Life Cycle

Preparing to Apply Nematodes
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1. Order Order nematodes to arrive 1-2 weeks prior to forecast application period* to facilitate application in optimum circumstances. *Aim to apply nematodes 4-5 weeks after peak adult flight time. |
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2. Store Store in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2-6°C. |
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3. Monitor
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4. Irrigate
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5. Aerate Use a sarel roller to aerate the soil, facilitating faster movement of the nematodes through the soil profile.* * It is important that the nematodes come into contact with the soil as quickly as possible; excessive thatch will inhibit this process. |
Applying Nematodes
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6. Equipment
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7. Nematodes
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8. Application
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9. Post Application
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This product is a biological control which is fully compatible with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme.
- This product is harmless to people, animals and the environment.
- Biological controls are living organisms, as a result the exact timing of availability and application may differ according to local environmental conditions. This may cause a slight variance in the life cycle of the target pest species from year to year. Users are advised to closely monitor their local site for signs of pest appearance, susceptible life stages and crop damage.
- Due to the fact that biological controls contain living organisms they have a short expiry date and should be refrigerated prior to use.
To aid the efficiency of the nematodes into the soil profile, apply with Aquazorb 45 wetting agent.
For advice or further information regarding Nemasys Chafer Grub Killer, speak to a technical sales advisor on 01952 641949.